Sanborn Lake
About Sanborn Lake
Sanborn Lake is a 220-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.9 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Sanborn Lake
- 220 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 15.9 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 220 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 84 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sanborn Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Rainy Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus129 acres
0.9 miles away
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
1.3 miles away
Brockway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus180 acres
1.4 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus260 acres
1.7 miles away
Big Portage Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus902 acres
2.3 miles away
Bowen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus182 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sanborn Lake?
Sanborn Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 220 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sanborn Lake?
Sanborn Lake covers 220 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sanborn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sanborn Lake?
Yes. Sanborn Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sanborn Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sanborn Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Sanborn Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sanborn Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sanborn Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.